Movie Review - The Odyssey

Director: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 173 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, John Leguizamo, Samantha Morton, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, Himesh Patel, Lupita Nyong’o
 
Description: After the Trojan War, Odysseus (Matt Damon) faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens and Calypso (Charlize Theron) along the way
 
Review: With the latest adaptation of “The Odyssey”, director Christopher Nolan proves that classical Greek mythology can still be relevant, and , above all, spectacular. The film has become a visual and narrative masterpiece that relentlessly draws the viewer into an emotional battle of attrition for almost 3 hours. The end result is a grand cinematic experience that balances human drama with mythological action.

“The Odyssey” follows the heroic yet disastrous journey of the Greek king Odysseus, who, after the fall of Troy, tries to find his way back home. While his faithful wife Penelope fights off intrusive suitors at home, Odysseus braves deadly monsters, divine curses, and psychological trials on the raging seas to save his kingdom.

The film excels in its cinematography and set design. The wild, unpredictable seas and the terrifying encounters with mythical creatures are brought to life with a perfect balance of practical effect and CGI. Nolan modernizes Homer’s source material without losing the epic’s authentic, tragic atmosphere.
The prominent American accents of the main cast feels quite out of place in a historical Greet setting at the beginning. The dialect distracted me and felt weird. Fortunately, this was short-lived, after a while it didn’t bother me as much. The performances are so intense and believable that the accent quickly fades into the background.

With this star-studded cast, there is a lot to look for. The performances are very strong and Matt Damon has the difficult task to lead them in this epic adventure film. But he succeeds. But it is Anne Hathaway and Samantha Morton in particular who elevate this film by carrying the emotional core. While the visual spectacle dominates the action, these two actresses provide the much-needed psychological depth and humanity. Anne Hathaway shines thanks to her phenomenal transformation. She commands all the attention with her intense gaze and emotional range. She strikes the perfect balance between royal dignity and the raw, fragile despair of a character tormented by fate. Samantha Morton steals the show with her rock-solid, understated presence. Without resorting to melodrama, she brings a layered gravitas to the screen, in only a single scene. This all shows that “The Odyssey is not just another blockbuster, but also a memorable character-driven drama.

The second part of the film was the strongest. Is focusses more on the character’s internal struggles and the bitter reality of returning home. The cinematography becomes grimmer, the soundtrack gains depth, and the film builds at a perfect pace toward a breathtaking and emotional climax. “The Odyssey” is thus not only a visual spectacle but also a profoundly human epic that leaves an indelible impression.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - That Thing You Do!

Director: Tom Hanks
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Jonathan Schaech, Ethan Embry, Steve Zahn, Tom Hanks, Charlize Theron, Giovanni Ribisi, Bill Cobbs, Kevin Pollack, Rita Wilson, Chris Isaak

Description: A local Pennsylvania band scores a one-hit wonder in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as they can, with lots of help from their manager (Tom Hanks)

Review: “That Thing You Do” follows a young, ambitious group of young men, in the 1960s, that love music. They start a band. When their drummer breaks his arm, right before an important show, they hire Guy Patterson. He has a different view on music and tries something more up-tempo. This works well and it turns their band, “The Wonders”, into a rock ‘n roll sensation.

It’s the directorial debut of star actor Tom Hanks, who also wrote the script. Hanks also has a role as the manager, but wanted young actors to steal the show. Jonathan Schaech plays lead singer Jimmy, who is very ambitious and talented, but the stardom changes him. Steve Zahn is always excellent at playing the funny supporting characters and does that very well in this movie. Liv Tyler, as Jimmy’s very supportive girlfriend Faye, is lovely as ever. But the real star is Tom Everett Scott, as Guy Patterson. This was his first movie he starred in. Tom Hanks first didn’t want him to star, because he resembles a young Hanks. His wife Rita Wilson, who also has a small role in the movie, finally convinced him. And it was the right choice, because Tom Everett Scott steals every scene he is in.

“That Thing You Do” is one of those fun comedies you can watch over and over again, and you never get tired of it. Even when the song, titled ‘That Thing You Do’, is played so many times. Because you hear it a lot! It’s the perfect movie for a night you don’t want to think too much and just enjoy a fun film.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Dark Places

Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Mystery
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christina Hendricks, Corey Stoll, Drea De Matteo, Tye Sheridan

Description: Libby Day (Charlize Theron) was only eight years old when her family was brutally murdered in their rural Kansas farmhouse. Almost thirty years later, she reluctantly agrees to revisit the crime and uncovers the wrenching truths that led up to that tragic night.

Review: In 1985, 8-year-old Libby Day witnesses the murder of her mother and sisters. Her brother Ben is identified as the culprit and disappears behind bars. 30 years later, an amateur investigator convinces Libby to delve once again into the evens of that horrific night.

Charlize Theron plays Libby as an unmotivated loner. This makes it very difficult to feel sympathy for her in the first half of the film. Fortunately, Libby as a character begins to come alive more as she confronts her past.

The film uses flashbacks to portray the perspectives of Libby, her mother and her brother. Because of Tye Sheridan’s strong acting, ben’s flashbacks stand out. The transitions are sometimes too abrupt, so the film often jumps into one timeline quickly.

“Dark Places” is based on the book by Gillian Flynn, whose “Gone Girl” was also adapted for film. That film was more successful, both as a book and as a movie. I believe the storytelling in the Flynn’s book works, but in the movie adaptation it is a bit lost.

I believe that “Gone Girl” was mostly more successful because of the director. David Fincher's "Gone Girl" is extremely stylish and atmospheric. That does not mean “Dark Places” is not an entertaining film, and it’s by no means bad. I enjoyed it, it just felt flat at times.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Long Shot

Director: Jonathan Levine
Genre: Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, O’Shea Jackson Jr., June Diane Raphael, Ravi Patel, Bob Odenkirk, Andy Serkis, Randall Park, Lisa Kudrow, Alexander Skarsgård

Description: Journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) reunites with his childhood crush, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), now one of the most influential women in the world. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter and sparks fly.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 38: A POLITICAL MOVIE

Review: Opposites attract. A given for many romantic comedies. But when the chemistry is bad, it doesn’t work. Luckily for us, the very different Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen work super well together. A very unlikely duo in a very different kind of romcom.
First, the contrast: Rogen plays the cheeky investigative journalist Fred Flarsky. He refuses to work for a money-hungry media tycoon and quits his job. Theron is Secretary of State Charlotte, very ambitious and wants to run for President. The two know each other from their childhood. When their paths cross at a party, Fred manages to make an unforgettable impression on Charlotte. Because she has to work on her sense of humor, she hires Fred to write her speeches.
Although there is a high degree of predictability present, it doesn’t bother here. Because director Jonathan Levine invests in his characters, their attraction, journeys and setbacks. Which makes “Long Shot” not one of those disposable romcoms, but one with actual depth and dimensional characters. With that, the predictability is easy to forgive.
“Long Shot” also constantly keeps balance. Fred and Charlotte go through palpable emotions and doubts. The supporting characters are simply their for support, they never try to outshine the main characters, they aren’t annoying and are above all functional for the story.
The ending might be a tad to sweet, but overall “Long Shot” is a great romcom set with a political background and two leads that work better together then you might expect. I also love the fact that there is a strong moral compass here: fight for what you love, no matter what the majority thinks. A good, strong comedy.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Review - Bombshell

Director: Jay Roach
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow, Allison Janney, Malcolm McDowell, Kate McKinnon, Connie Britton, Mark Duplass, Stephen Root, Mark Moses, Brooke Smith, Richard Kind

Description: A group of women take on Fox New head Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) and the toxic atmosphere he presides over the network.

Review: Based on a true story. “Bombshell” tells the explosive story of the women that broke the silence and accused Fox News boss Roger Ailes of sexual harassment.
“Bombshell” takes on the scandal that many people, mostly Americans, already know about. And this film shines a light on the events that took place during the process. And it’s a typical way of telling a true story the Hollywood-way: lots of sensation but lacking depth.
If this film didn’t have such a strong cast, it would be disposable and forgettable. The film should be more uncomfortable, giving the theme it deals with. There are only a few moments where you feel this discomfort. For instance when the three main women of the story are standing in an elevator. Not saying a word you can see them questioning themselves: did you also…? Or the scene where Kayla (Margot Robbie) meets with Roger Ailes and he asks her to stand and turn around, because it’s a visual medium. But he also asks to see her legs, eventually ending in Kayla pulling up her skirt up until her underwear. This scene shows that most women at Fox News owe their careers by doing something like this or even more. Sadly these kind of scenes are a minority.
The film also, for the most part, focuses on Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), when it was Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) who blew the whistle. I found this an odd choice.
All performances in this film are great. And also a shoutout to the makeup department.
It’s an easy watch and has its moments, but overall “Bombshell” could have been a lot better.

Rating: 3 / 5

Movie Reviews - Tully

Director: Jason Reitman
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Ron Livingston, Mark Duplass

Description: Marlo (Charlize Theron), a mother of three hires a night nanny (Mackenzie Davis) to help with her newborn.

Review: Since her role in “Monster”, Charlize Theron belongs with the best of the best in Hollywood. For her role in “Tully”, Theron gained a lot of weight to get ready for the role.
Theron plays Marlo, a mother of three. She just gave birth to her third child and because she feels like dealing with everything on her own, she hires a night nanny, named Tully. At first Marlo feels uncomfortable around Tully, but they develop a strong bond. Why Marlo and her husband are having a third child is a big question, since their son is hard to handle and very difficult to read. And with the birth of daughter Mia, motherhood is officially too much for Marlo. 
When Tully enters her life, Marlo starts loving life again. And even her marriage gets a boost. But eventually Marlo can’t be without Tully anymore.
The contrast between Marlo and Tully is very big. Young versus old, free versus bound, energetic versus exhausted: it’s a little predictable. The focus is on the two of them and Marlo’s husband Drew hardly gets any attention.
Charlize Theron is really strong. A beautiful actress like her who always dares to be ‘ugly’ and show the human side of a character.
It isn’t until the end of the movie, that you come to realize it was actually a good film. Because of that ending. Without that, this film is pretty standard.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Atomic Blonde

Director: David Leitch
Genre: Action/ Thriller
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Eddie Marsan, John Goodman, Toby Jones, Sofia Boutella, Bill Skarsgård, Til Schweiger

Description: An undercover MI6 agent (Charlize Theron) is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.

Review: The adaptation of the graphic novel seems pretentious and forced, but is a great rollercoaster ride with a great cast. And an awesome soundtrack! It’s a straight to the point story without any array.
Director David Leitch has to proof that movies like “Atomic Blonde”, with exaggerating plots and unbelievable characters, can actually be good.
Broughton is a relentless agent for the MI6. She is very driven and a skilled fighter. We see Broughton being interrogated by the CIA en she is telling her story.
Star of the show is off course Charlize Theron, who often proved that she is a very versatile actress. Her character is strong and self-assured and she easily manages in a man’s world.
“Atomic Blonde” is not too complicated, the entire thing is fairly simple. Yet it’s a great explosion of action and fun, with a killer soundtrack filled with amazing 80s songs.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 35: Kubo and the Two Strings

Director: Travis Knight
Genre: Animation/ Adventure, Fantasy
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Rooney Mara

Description: A young boy named Kubo (Art Parkinson) must locate a magical suit of armor worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past.

Review: When you think of animation, you think of Disney or Pixar. Maybe also Dreamworks, but probably not LAIKA Entertainment. It’s a smaller company that started in 2005 and is specialized in stop-motion animation. It did make some successful movies: “Coraline”, “ParaNorman” and “The Boxtrolls”. Smaller films that have atmosphere, are artistic and cost hundreds of hours of work. Why “Kubo and the Two Strings” didn’t win the Academy Award for best animation is beyond me.
Together with his mother, the one-eyed boy Kubo lives in a cave nearby a small village. His mother fleed for her father, Kubo’s grandfather, the evil Moon Kind who killed Kubo’s father Hanzo. Kubo’s mother lives in a catatonic state ever since Hanzo died, so Kubo needs to take care of the both of them. He is known for his storytelling. Every day he tells stories about his late father, with his guitar. It’s a magical instrument which makes paper move and turn into origami art and form the most beautiful images for his stories. When Kubo’s hiding place is discovered, he has to step into his father’s footsteps. He gets the help of a strict white monkey and a heroic beetle.
The film looks amazing, perfect to every detail. Everything created by hand, so much love and hard work has been put in to this film. Stop-motion always fascinates me, it amazes me, it blows my mind. The movements of all the characters are so fluent. It’s an extraordinary film.
The story has all the ingredients of a classic adventure story: a young hero taken under the wing by a mentor, looking for a magical weapon and discovering powers to help him beat the enemy. But this classic adventure story has some adult themes: grieving, forgiveness, keeping memories alive by telling stories. None of these themes are forced, just like the moral of the story.
“Kubo and the Two Strings” is an animation every kid should see. Imagination, adventure, emotion, deeper layers. And the film looks amazing. It’s a piece of art.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 51: The Huntsman: Winter's War

Director: Cedic Nicolas-Troyan
Genre: Adventure/ Action/ Fantasy/ Drama
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt, Charlize Theron, Nick Frost, Sam Claflin

Description: As a war between rival queen sisters Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and Freya (Emily Blunt) escalates, Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and fellow warrior Sara (Jessica Chastain), members of the Huntsmen army raised to protect Freya, try to conceal their forbidden love as they combat Ravenna's wicked intentions.

Review: “Snow White and the Huntsman” was four years ago successful enough that Universal was already planning a sequel. Rupert Sanders was going to direct and Kristen Stewart was going to star again. Because of an affaire between the two, that sequel was postponed. They still wanted to continue the franchise and they decided to make a spin-off focusing on huntsman Eric. Chris Hemsworth is an actor people love to see and who needs Snow White?
Because the huntsman wasn’t a very meaningful character in the original fairytale, we also get an evil ice queen and queen Ravenna returns. Snow White’s absence is solved by setting the story in a different fantasy world. The story is set before and after Snow White’s kingdom and they told it in a way we don’t need to see the actual character.
First we see the history of ice queen Freya and her sister Ravenna. And then we are introduced to the Huntsman Eric and warrior Sara. Freya trains an army of children to become huntsmen. Eric and Sara are her best warriors. The two fall in love, which is a sin in Freya’s kingdom. Sara is killed and Eric is supposed to die too. He survives and escape to the south. Then we skip to seven years later after all the happenings in “Snow White and the Huntsman”. Eric has to find Ravenna’s mirror, before Freay gets her hands on it.
Chris Hemsworth doesn’t have to do a lot to entertain me and I liked him in “The Huntsman: Winter’s War”. He had good chemistry with Jessica Chastain and her character is strong and fun. Emily Blunt is a believable evil queen and although Charlize Theron already proved that, she does a solid job again.
Is “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” a great film? No, but it’s very entertaining, has the right length, it looks stunning and has a good cast. I have to honest that I expected a bit more, but it’s still an enjoyable film.

Rating: 3/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Characters of 2015

Although we already a week in 2016, I still wanted to look back on all the awesome movie characters the year 2015 gave us. Here are my five favorites.

5. Rick Ford (Jason Statham in “Spy”)

We all know now that Jason Statham isn’t just an action hero and that he can also be funny. In “Spy” he takes it to another level. He is hilarious and he is the best part of “Spy”.

 

 

4. Baymax (Scott Adsit in “Big Hero 6”)

Disney’s new star, Baymax was the best element of “Big Hero 6”. A perfect combo of best friend, doctor and warrior machine. Fist bump!

 

 

3. Mark Watney (Matt Damon in “The Martian”)

Matt Damon’s enormously likeable Mark Watney has no option but to get on with things. This is exactly the role that shows us why Damon is such a good actor and why we love him too.

 

 

2. Rey (Daisy Ridley in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”)

What a great new character in the “Star Wars” universe. I loved her from the start and I loved everything about her character.

 

 

1. Furiosa (Charlize Theron in “Mad Max: Fury Road”)

Talking about a strong female character. Charlize Theron kicks ass as Furiosa and “Mad Max: Fury Road” is actually her movie, she dominated the film.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson in “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”), Ava (Alicia Vikander in “Ex Machina”), Sadness (Phyllis Lapin in “Inside Out”), Harry Hart (Colin Firth in “Kingsman: The Secret Service”), Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton in “Birdman”)

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 75: Mad Max: Fury Road

Director: George Miller

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Thriller

Runtime: 120 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Nathan Jones, Megan Gale, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Josh Helman, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton, Debra Ades, Richard Norton, Angus Sampson

Description: In a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, two rebels just might be able to restore order: Max (Tom Hardy), a man of action and of few words, and Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a woman of action who is looking to make it back to her childhood homeland.

Review: “Mad Max: Fury Road” is film in its purest form. A movie records moving images and this film is non-stop movement. And movement of the most exciting kind. This movie, directed by visionary George Miller who also made the thirty year old movies with Mel Gibson, is not a movie you just watch. You experience it. And not at home, but on the big screen and with the best sound quality possible. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a spectacle with a capital S.

George Miller is pretty old school. Ninety percent of the images are actual vehicles and real actors, without any computer animated touches. And you see that. The actors lie, sit and fight in and on the very originally created vehicles. 150 to be exact. The wildest and most creative cars pass you by.

Miller also surprises the audience with his camera work. Sometimes he shoots very low near the ground, where you are right beside the wheels and the dessert sand. In another shot you’re above all the vehicles and get a perfect overall view. Sometimes the camera moves quickly between platforms and vehicles or the camera follows one of the ‘War Boys’. Excellent camera work.

“Mad Max: Fury Road” is set in a post-apocalyptic world, with absolutely no civilization. Tiran Immortan Joe leads it, with his War Boys. He tells his War boys they go to the paradise Valhalla when they die for him. And it works, because they do anything for Immortan Joe. He wants a son, who can take over his work. He captured five beautiful women, who he impregnates. One female warrior, Imperator Furiosa, doesn’t accept that and helps the five women to escape. On their way they meet Max, who helps them.

There is hardly a minute to catch your breath. From the first moment you are sucked in all the action and chases. It sounds exhausting, but Miller manages to keep it interesting the entire time. This is a pure audiovisual experience.

Tom Hardy is a very charismatic actor and is very convincing as Max. His mysterious looks, intimidating movements and effective fight scenes, just great. But it is actually Charlize Theron’s movie, she is probably the most important character in this movie. She is on fire, Theron is amazing in every scene. Although you might think it’s a movie for men, this movie is filled with kick-ass women.

“Mad Max: Fury Road” is pure porn for every action movie fan. It’s crazy, action packed, an adrenaline rush, spectacular and f-ing awesome! I simply can’t fault “Mad Max: Fury Road” The future is bright, Mad Max is back!

Rating: 5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Favorite Actresses of the Moment

I change my list of favourite actresses from time to time, because I keep discovering new women or I rediscover actresses. Here is my current list of favourite actresses.

5. Emma Stone

I sort of have a girl crush on her. She is funny and has dramatic talent as well. She was great in “The Help”, “Easy A”, “Crazy Stupid Love” and “Zombieland”. Most recent she did a wonderful job in “Birdman” and I can’t wait to see her in “Aloha”.

 

 

4. Rachel McAdams

Off course she started out in sweet movies like “The Notebook” and she was a bitch in “Mean Girls”, but she has some serious acting chops. Rachel McAdams was great in “State of Play”, “Sherlock Holmes”, “Red Eye” and “Midnight in Paris”. Most recent successes are “To the Wonder” and “About Time”. Can’t wait to see her in “Aloha”, just like Emma Stone.

 

 

3. Jessica Chastain

She is one of those new additions, who I love more after every movie. I first saw her in “The Help” where she played my favourite character. That movie made me watch more of her work. Movies like “The Debt”, “Tale Shelter” and “The Tree of Life” were fantastic, but she broke through in “Zero Dark Thirty”. Great performance by Jessica Chastain. A more recent movie I loved her in was “A Most Violent Year”. Can’t wait to see her in “Crimson Peak”.

 

 

2. Charlize Theron

She has become better over the years. In “Monster” she stated how great she is as a performer, but also in “North Country” and “Young Adult”. Charlize Theron is one fo those beautiful actresses that dares to be ugly for a role.

 

 

1. Naomi Watts

My favourite for quite some time now. Okay, she had some misses, but she has more good movies. Off course “21 Grams”, “The Impossible”, “Mulholland Dr.” and “Eastern Promisses” are amazing, but more recent “Birdman” and “St. Vincent”. Naomi Watts is and probably will always be my favourite actress.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Page, Rosamund Pike, Keira Knigtley, Anna Kendrick, Toni Collette, Zoe Saldana, Julianne Moore, Scarlett Johansson

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 147: Prometheus

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre: Actie/ Science Fiction/ Horror

Runtime: 126 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green, Sean Harris, Rafe Spall, Patrick Wilson

Description: A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

Review: Director Ridley Scott doesn’t make it easy for himself. He tried to tell a story, located in the universe of his own classic “Alien” from 1979, to answer one question: where do we come from? Man who wants to meet his maker. Scientists Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway find a series of identical cave drawings in 2089. They think they know the answer to that question and billionaire Peter Weyland sets up an expedition. On spaceship Prometheus they are on a search for the truth.

The Prometheus arrives, with a crew of seventeen, on a planet similar to the one in “Alien”. The tension is built because you don’t know why each of the crew members are on the mission. The distant Meredith Vickers has to lead the crew and her help is android David.

Scott could have chosen to play out a cat and mouse game, but instead he focuses on David. His plans are revealed little by little, but it’s clear he’s the one with the most dangerous mission. Dangerous for mankind. The questions isn’t who is going to survive, but why David does what he does. There is no emotional impact whenever one of the crew member dies. And even though some scenes are pretty gruesome, they are never as anguished as in “Alien”.

The movie is visually stunning and detailed. This movie is beautiful in 3D. But beautiful pictures alone don’t make a good movie. Scott made this movie a bit too simplistic and the characters lack intelligence and depth. “Prometheus” is still a pretty good movie.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 86: A Million Ways to Die int the West

Director: Seth MacFarlane

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 116 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Liam Neeson, Neil Patrick Harris, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman

Description: As cowardly farmer Albert (Seth MacFarlane) begins to fall for the mysterious new woman Anna (Charlize Theron) in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband (Liam Neeson), a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival.

Review: The authentic letters and music of the opening credits tell us immediately that “A Million Ways to Die in the West” is a western. Director Seth MacFarlane obviously likes the genre and gives it his own twist. He mixes up western with the genre he knows best: comedy. It gives us some great jokes, but also some mediocre ones centered around farts, sex and poop.

The wild west of 1882 isn’t without danger, that’s what somewhat clumsy sheepherder Albert Stark knows. Decease, rivalry, Indians, all possible causes of death. When Albert is then also stood up by his girlfriend Louise, his life as a frontier is over. Until he meets Anna, a mysterious woman who makes Albert win back his courage and confidence. But what he doesn’t know is that Anna is married to the most vicious gunslinger of the west.

The plot isn’t that surprising and it kicks in a lot of open doors. But it’s more about the humor here. “A Million Ways to Die” succeeds, but not entirely. The jokes where they are mocking the genre are the best, which makes it a bit like a parody. This works. And MacFarlane also knows how to set the audience in the opposite direction, which makes it surprising at times. The actors are seemingly having a great time. But sometimes the jokes are a bit juvenile or badly timed.

Seth MacFarlane is still one of the funniest guys out there, but he still has a lot to learn as an actor and director. “A Million Ways in the West” wasn’t as hilarious as I hoped it would be, but it had some great jokes, an amazing cameo and I really enjoyed this western parody.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Battle: The Road Vs. The Book of Eli

I’ve choosen two movies with similar themes and plot points this time. And I think it’s going to be a close call, because while starting this I’m not sure who I will pick as winner yet. Here are the two movies going head to head in this movie battle: “The Road” Vs. “The Book of Eli”.

 

CAST

The Road: Viggo Mortensen has the lead and he does a great job. Very solid an believable. Kodi Smith-McPhee is an upcoming star, very well done as well. Charlize Theron also has a role in “The Road”, she is one of my favourites, I always love her. Robert Duvall and Guy Pearce have small roles in it as well.

The Book of Eli: You can always rely on Denzel Washington, this man never made a really bad movie. Washington is great, as always. Gary Oldman plays the villain, a task you can trust him with. Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson and Michael Gambon also have roles in the film.

STORY

The Road: A man and his son a trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world by any means possible. Somehow these kinds of stories always get me interested. I remember the ending to be very open, you don’t really know what will happen next.

The Book of Eli: Eli is trying to cross his way through post-apocalyptic America, while protecting a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving mankind. Off course his trip doesn’t go without some problems. The film had a surprise twist in the end.

EFFECTS The Road: They made it look like a post-apocalyptic world, very dark, grim and sad. Not much colour, a perfect look for a world that’s on the edge of dying.

The Book of Eli: This post-apocalytic world looked a little lighter. It’s not as dark, it has a lot of earthy tones, more dessert like.

WINNER

It’s a tough one, but I’ll go for “The Road”. It’s not as spectacular as “The Book of Eli”, but the whole setting, storyline and performances impressed me a bit more.

Video of the Week (4)

This week another clip from Jimmy Fallons talkshow. He played charades against Charlize Theron and with Josh Hartnett. Especially Jimmy take on the song "Private Dancer" is hilarious!

 

 

Top 5 Thursday: Gorgeous Women That Got 'Ugly' for a Movie

Hollywood is full of gorgeous, beautiful and radiant women. But the most fantastic ones are the actresses that dare to be ugly for a role. Here are my five favorite transformations.

5. Sandra Bullock in "Miss Congeniality"
Bullock played the tough cop Gracie Hart, who walked and talked like a man before she was transformed into a Miss America contender.

4. Salma Hayek in "Frida"
I think Hayek is every man's dream. She is beautiful, curved and has a sexy accent. The unibrow is maybe the ugliest feature of her role in "Frida".

3. Gwyneth Paltrow in "Shallow Hall"
Although this isn't a very good movie, I really liked Paltrow in this film. Funny thing: when Paltrow started wearing the fat-suit, none of the people passing her would meet her eye.

2. Cameron Diaz in "Being John Malkovich"
It's not just the look that's weird, the character of Lotte is also pretty strange. Diaz with her frizzy hair is very memorable.

1. Charlize Theron in "Monster"
Theron is the most breathtaking actress and that makes it so amazing that she went full on ugly for her role in "Monster". That's what I admire about Theron, she truly doesn't care about her beauty, just about her performance. Fantastic.

They almost made the top 5: Nicole Kidman in "The Hours" and Renee Zellweger in "Bridget Jones's Diary"

In the Picture: The Characters from "Snow White and the Huntsman"

I'm a fan of this movie. I liked it when I first saw it and I really enjoyed it very much. So I decided to spotlight the characters from "Snow White and the Huntsman". Here they are.

Snow White
Played by: Kristen Stewart
Snow White has been captured by her evil stepmother after her father died. She hasn't been outside for a while, but Snow White is a strong young woman. When she escapes, she does everything to get as far away as possible from her stepmother and she just wants to survive. Eventually Snow White will even fight back.

Eric, the Huntsman
Played by: Chris Hemsworth
Eric is sent to kill Snow White and bring Ravenna her heart. He doesn't have a choice so he goes after her, but when they meet, Eric can't do it and decides to help Snow White. They form a team and eventually a very strong connection. Eric is a troubled man, with a lot of strenght and he's loyal to Snow White. After his wife died he hasn't felt anything. When he meets Snow White, that changes.

Ravenna
Played by: Charlize Theron
Ravenna seduced Snow White's father and married him. She killed him and now she rules alone. When Ravenna finds out that she will no longer be 'the farest of them all', she wants Snow White dead. Ravenna is a pure evil woman, with no mercy or sense of remorse.

William
Played by: Sam Claflin
William and Snow White grew up together. After the King's death, William is left to believe Snow White died too. Years later William finds out that Snow White isn't dead after all and he decides to find her. Not knowing that she might he given her heart to another man.

Favorite Character: Eric, the Huntsman

Movie Tip # 52: Snow White and the Huntsman

Director: Rupert Sanders

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Sam Claflin, Sam Spruell, Bob Hoskins, Ian McShane, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, Duir, Brian Gleeson, Toby Jones, Johnny Harris

Description: Snow White (Kristen Stewart), imprisoned daughter of the late king, escapes just as the Magic Mirror declares her the source of the Evil Queen's immortality. The Queen (Charlize Theron) sends her men, led by a local huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to bring her back. But upon her capture, the huntsman finds he's being played and turns against the Queens men, saving Snow White in the process. Meanwhile, Snow's childhood friend, William (Sam Claflin), learns that she is alive and sets off to save her.

Review: I'm a sucker for fairytales. Ever since its trailer was released I wanted to see this film. The well known story of Snow White, but not quite the way it was told when we were kids. "Snow White and the Huntsman" is darker, action packed, more violent, not overwhelmed by romance and full of beautiful visual effects. As for the casting, Kristen Stewart got a lot of negative response. I have to say that I was never a fan either, but she had proven that she could act in "Into the Wild". Stewart is stuck to her "Twilight" character, which is sad, because she can definitely act and I really appreciate her more due to this film. Chris Hemsworth is not only very pleasant to watch, he is very charismatic and he was my favorite character in the film. I did like him together with Stewart and probably a lot of people won't agree with me on that. Charlize Theron, one of my personal favorites, had the best role. Casting her for the role of the evil queens was just perfect. Theron was terrifyingly convincing as a villain. Sam Claflins character William was too one-dimensional and there is really no time to get to know or like him. I did love the dwarfs, they were funny and the world they lived in was beautiful. "Snow White and the Huntsman" is a great movie and met my expectations. I heard that this is going to be a series, so I can't wait to see more of it.

The Many Faces of... Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is going to be back in "Young Adult" and later in "Snow White and the Huntsmen". I'm so excited to see her again. She has a lot of different looks. Here are some of them.

Face # 1: The Devil’s Advocate
Role: Mary-Anne Lomax
Comment: Lovely curly hair.
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Face # 2: Mighty Joe Young
Role: Jill Young
Comment: I love this look, so natural.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 3: The Astronaut’s Wife
Role: Jillian Armacost
Comment: The hair is a little bit too short for my taste.
Rating: 2,5/ 5

Face # 4: The Yards
Role: Erica Soltz
Comment: Strange… but a pretty good look. You just have to get used to it.
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 5: The Cider House Rules
Role: Candy
Comment: Charlize practilly looks great in any movie.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 6: Men of Honor
Role: Gwen Sunday
Comment: Classy…
Rating: 4/ 5

Face # 7: The Legend of Bagger Vance
Role: Adele Invergordon
Comment: Cute and pretty
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 8: Sweet November
Role: Sara Deever
Comment: Again, cute and pretty. Probably one of my favorites.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 9: 15 Minutes
Role: Rose Hearn
Comment: No… don’t like it.
Rating: 2/ 5

Face # 10: The Italian Job
Role: Stella Bridger
Comment: The more sexy Charliz.
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Face # 11: Monster
Role: Aileen Wuornos
Comment: Yeah really, this is the same Charlize Theron. An A + for her performance, but not a good look off course.
Rating: 1,5/ 5

Face # 12: North Country
Role: Josey Aimes
Comment: It’s an OK look,not very special.
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Face # 13: Aeon Flux
Role: Aeon Flux
Comment: How sexy and kick ass is this?!
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 14: In the Valley of Elah
Role: Detective Emily Sanders
Comment: She doesn’t need to look pretty, she just does. Even as a serious, no nonsens detective.
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Face # 15: Hancock
Role: Mary
Comment: Just perfect!
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 16: The Road
Role: Woman
Comment: She dares to look ugly, but somehow she never really does (except for “Monster”)
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 17: Young Adult
Role: Mavis Gary
Comment: I totally get why this movie is called “Young Adult”. So looking forward to this film.
Rating: 4/ 5